On Friday, in the Vienna Hofburg, Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) was once again sworn in as governor by Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen. Vienna held its election in April, after which the SPÖ and NEOS agreed to continue their cooperation since 2020. Today’s swearing-in was also overshadowed by the events in Graz. Ludwig urged that the Weapons Act be reconsidered in the wake of the rampage.
Owing to scheduling reasons, the ceremony did not take place, as usual, on the day of the inaugural meeting of the city council—which was held on Tuesday—but was instead made up today. Vienna is both a city and a federal state, so its head of government holds the titles of mayor and governor. Van der Bellen congratulated Ludwig on his election victory and praised the city’s high quality of life, noting that Vienna seems to have something like a “subscription” to first place.
City Faces Challenges
“One must imagine that, among the world’s million-plus cities, Vienna is considered the most livable city. As a Vienna resident myself, I can well understand why,” said Van der Bellen. Yet “real challenges” remain, he emphasized. “Vienna is a growing city,” he observed. Its infrastructure must grow with it.
Education was also likely a topic in the coalition negotiations—alongside security issues. “After the horrific terror in Graz and the grief that has gripped our country, questions of security and the broadest possible prevention must be debated anew,” Van der Bellen asserted. He added that one can never guarantee one hundred percent safety.
Van der Bellen also saw new opportunities for Vienna as a university city, given a possible “brain drain” from the U.S. However, municipalities face a difficult financial situation. He viewed interest rates on debt as particularly problematic: “That is a flashing warning light.” He was nonetheless pleased that new negotiations on the division of powers between federal and state governments are underway.
Ludwig for Stricter Gun Laws
In a brief statement after the ceremony, Ludwig not only called for greater attention to the mental health of children and adolescents but also urged consideration of whether guns are too easily acquired in Austria. “That the number of firearms has grown from one million to 1.5 million in recent years is worrying. I always say: more guns do not mean more safety, but less safety.”
He suggested reflecting on how to restrict access to weapons. He noted that he has already enforced gun-free zones in certain areas. Many other municipalities and cities will now see the value in limiting gun possession in public spaces. The question now is whether private households need to hold such a large number of firearms. He urged that, as a consequence of this terrible event, possible steps and measures be considered.
